An open letter from members representing some 100 bodyshops was delivered to RMI chief executive Matthew Carrington today, 27 February, and released to media.

The letter reads, ”As the members of the Consultative Group of the Bodyshop Services Division of the RMI (representing some 100 key bodyshops), we have become increasingly disillusioned at the actions of the RMI with regard to the body repair industry.

In particular;

- The departure of key Bodyshop Services Division staff over the past 24 months - The lack of commitment, communication and action from current Bodyshop Services Division staff - The resultant decline in the standing of the RMI Bodyshop Services Division within both the body repair industry and the insurance industry - The lack of support for the Bodyshop Services Division from RMI Executive Management

As such, we, the undersigned, no longer have any confidence in the ability of the RMI to articulate the issues within the industry or to represent repairer interests, whether they be large or small organisations. We are therefore resigning from the Consultative Group with immediate effect.

You can be assured that this decision has not been taken lightly and we do believe that we have made ample overtures to you and Ray Holloway that unless proactivity and improved communications were driven from the highest level this action would be sadly inevitable.

Yours faithfully

(In alphabetical order) Julian Allen, Motorvation

Andy Blair, ADR

Nick Boret, Fleetline

Ian Clark, Seward Group

Ron Dobson, Lancashire Motor Bodies (Atherton)

Gerry Facenna, Allied Vehicles

John Galbraith, Allied Vehicles

Paul Glover, M&M Vehicle Repairs

Tracy Howard, Howard Basford

Neil Kirk, Howard Basford

Ken Lane, Nationwide

Paul Marden, Seward Group

Gary Marshall, Marshall Panelcraft

Zaf Melan, KAG Accident Repairs

Tony Parish, Alton Cars

Doug Redfarn, R&T Coachworks

Dave Shepherd, Deejay

Steve Tooth, Bassetts of Swansea

Karl Vella, Karl Vella

Mick Whitehead , M&M Vehicle Repairs”